Embedded Files
Related Servic'es & Assistive Technology
Related Servic'es & Assistive Technology
Many students with disabilities need more than special education instruction to make progress. Related services are the developmental, corrective, and supportive services an IEP Team determines a child needs to benefit from special education. Assistive technology is any device or service that increases, maintains, or improves a child's functional capabilities.
Many students with disabilities need more than special education instruction to make progress. Related services are the developmental, corrective, and supportive services an IEP Team determines a child needs to benefit from special education. Assistive technology is any device or service that increases, maintains, or improves a child's functional capabilities.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 290-8-9, every IEP Team decides which related services, if any, a student needs, and must make assistive technology available when it is required as part of the child's special education, related services, or supplementary aids and services. The resources below help special education teachers and service providers in Alabama's Local Education Agencies (LEAs) understand what qualifies, how to document the decision in the IEP, and where to find Alabama-specific support.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 290-8-9, every IEP Team decides which related services, if any, a student needs, and must make assistive technology available when it is required as part of the child's special education, related services, or supplementary aids and services. The resources below help special education teachers and service providers in Alabama's Local Education Agencies (LEAs) understand what qualifies, how to document the decision in the IEP, and where to find Alabama-specific support.
What Is a Related Service?
What Is a Related Service?
The IDEA definition of related services, the "required to benefit from special education" standard, what related services do not include (such as a surgically implanted medical device), and how the IEP Team makes and documents the needed/not-needed decision for every service.
The IDEA definition of related services, the "required to benefit from special education" standard, what related services do not include (such as a surgically implanted medical device), and how the IEP Team makes and documents the needed/not-needed decision for every service.
Service-by-Service Guidance
Service-by-Service Guidance
Practical considerations and IEP documentation for each related service: speech-language pathology, occupational and physical therapy, counseling and psychological services, school nurse and school health services, interpreting services, audiology, orientation and mobility, social work, recreation, and parent counseling and training.
Assistive Technology Consideration
Assistive Technology Consideration
How the IEP Team considers assistive technology for every student, the AT device and AT service definitions, device trials and selection, training for the student, family, and staff, and the case-by-case rules for sending school-purchased devices home.
How the IEP Team considers assistive technology for every student, the AT device and AT service definitions, device trials and selection, training for the student, family, and staff, and the case-by-case rules for sending school-purchased devices home.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Selecting and implementing AAC systems for students with complex communication needs, including core vocabulary supports, training communication partners, and integrating AAC across the school day rather than treating it as one therapy session.
Selecting and implementing AAC systems for students with complex communication needs, including core vocabulary supports, training communication partners, and integrating AAC across the school day rather than treating it as one therapy session.
Sensory Impairment Supports
Sensory Impairment Supports
Considerations for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, or deafblind: hearing aid and cochlear implant external component checks, accessible instructional materials, interpreting and orientation and mobility services, and Alabama's specialized providers.
Considerations for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, or deafblind: hearing aid and cochlear implant external component checks, accessible instructional materials, interpreting and orientation and mobility services, and Alabama's specialized providers.
Documenting Services in the IEP
Documenting Services in the IEP
For how related services, assistive technology, and transportation are recorded in the IEP frequency, amount, location, and dates; see the IEP Development & Implementation pages, including Special Education, Related Services & Assistive Technology.
For how related services, assistive technology, and transportation are recorded in the IEP frequency, amount, location, and dates; see the IEP Development & Implementation pages, including Special Education, Related Services & Assistive Technology.
Need support?
Need support?
Special Education Services (SES) provides technical assistance to Alabama LEAs on transition assessment, postsecondary goals, agency connections, and exit documentation. For a student-specific decision, work with the IEP Team; a technical-assistance request does not replace IEP Team decision-making.
Special Education Services (SES) provides technical assistance to Alabama LEAs on transition assessment, postsecondary goals, agency connections, and exit documentation. For a student-specific decision, work with the IEP Team; a technical-assistance request does not replace IEP Team decision-making.
Alabama AT Resources and Device Access
Alabama AT Resources and Device Access
Where Alabama LEAs can try and access assistive technology: the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services' Statewide Technology Access and Response (STAR) program and Children's Rehabilitation Service (CRS), device demonstration and loan options, and how to coordinate referrals with the IEP process.
Where Alabama LEAs can try and access assistive technology: the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services' Statewide Technology Access and Response (STAR) program and Children's Rehabilitation Service (CRS), device demonstration and loan options, and how to coordinate referrals with the IEP process.
Alabama State Department of Education — Special Education Services (SES)
Alabama State Department of Education — Special Education Services (SES)
Materials are provided for technical assistance purposes and do not constitute legal advice.
Materials are provided for technical assistance purposes and do not constitute legal advice.
Alabama State Department of Education — Special Education Services (SES)
Alabama State Department of Education — Special Education Services (SES)
Materials are provided for technical assistance purposes and do not constitute legal advice.
Materials are provided for technical assistance purposes and do not constitute legal advice.
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